According to Albania’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Albania aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20.9% by 2030. Of this target, 61% is attributed to the energy sector, while FOLU accounts for 37%, mainly through land use categories such as cropland and grassland. This positions the FOLU sector as a major national contributor to climate mitigation efforts.

Despite its strategic relevance, the sector is currently hampered by fragmented governance, insufficient strategic planning, weak institutional coordination, low private sector engagement, and limited technical capacities at both central and local levels.

The project aims to enhance the national strategic framework for the implementation of the NDC and build the capacities of the government, private sector and civil society actors for an effective national cross-sectorial process for the implementation of the NDC.

The goal of the project is to contribute to the achievement of Albania’s NDC through the mobilization and scale-up of climate finance.

In relation to gender equality, the project will carry out a situation analysis of the gender indicators integrated into the NDC implementation components: governance, mitigation and adaptation, identify deficiencies and gaps, and plan the activities for the gender sensitive implementation of the NDC.

The project includes developing a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian sectorial network plan, tested along Aqif Pasha Boulevard and connected areas, and creating a public-supporting area to showcase the benefits of car-free living. It also involves converting key sections of the city into pedestrian-friendly zones and designing and implementing cycling lanes. The project aims to transform Aqif Pasha Boulevard from a car-centric street into a smart corridor that promotes the use of bicycles and pedestrian areas. This will be achieved through implementing a temporary “pop-up” bicycle lane, deploying smart infrastructure like bicycle counting cameras and intelligent pedestrian crossings, enhancing pedestrian areas (particularly in the “Kalaja” neighborhood), and using data-driven approaches to monitor and improve the new mobility solutions.

Through the NetZeroCities Enabling City Transformation Programme under the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral Cities, this project will pilot innovative mobility solutions in Elbasan. The city will serve as a testing ground for developing and implementing comprehensive mobility models that integrate data-driven policy approaches, capacity building, and community engagement to create sustainable urban transportation systems that can later be scaled across the city.

The Climate Bridges project addresses a clear need for coordinated climate action in the region. Policy analysis reveals gaps in implementing the Green Agenda for Western Balkans (GAWB), characterized by uneven policy adoption and limited stakeholder engagement. The project responds by strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing governance structures, and fostering collaboration between civil society organizations, governmental bodies, and the private sector.

The Albanian Alps National Park currently lacks a comprehensive assessment of its ecological and socio-economic value, hindering effective management and conservation efforts.

This project will address this gap by providing a detailed analysis of the park’s resources, threats, and opportunities. The resulting valorisation study will serve as a foundation for developing an updated management plan and exploring sustainable financing mechanisms for the park’s long-term conservation.

Furthermore, the program seeks to support civil society organizations by:

• a) providing capacity-building initiatives,
• b) offering financial support for activities aligned with the three primary thematic pillars,
• c) facilitating networking opportunities among civil society entities and other stakeholders, including local authorities.

Additionally, the project places an emphasis on the empowerment of young individuals, especially women, and the increase of their involvement across the aforementioned pillars. Moreover, it aims to boost citizen engagement and effective collaboration while facilitating direct dialogues with decision-makers at both local and national levels. These concerted efforts contribute to the establishment of transparent and responsive governance structures at the local level, thereby fostering positive regional impacts.

Objectives

Enhance democratic, economic, and social progress within the Western Balkans region in the context of EU enlargement, by empowering civil society in key domains such as youth and entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, rural advancement, as well as the safeguarding of cultural heritage and community progress.

Specific objectives:

1. Empower civil society organizations in the Western Balkans by enhancing their roles and capacities.
2. Establish a network of relevant stakeholders (civil society groups, local authorities, universities, and others) dedicated to fostering stable and democratic, economic, cultural, and social advancement across the region.
3. Foster and promote a common narrative among civil society actors and policymakers, emphasizing European values of peace, democracy, and the integration of all individuals at a regional level.

Factsheet

Leaflet

The initiative targets three specific Albanian regions — Berat, Belsh, and Elbasan — focusing on implementing strategies for electric mobility, enhancing public transportation, promoting non-motorized transport options, and integrating low-carbon technologies. This multifaceted approach aims to address not only the environmental concerns but also the economic and social aspects of sustainable tourism in Albania.

Factsheet

The initiative is in response to the need for enhanced forest biomass utilization and promotion of bio-energy technology applications. The objective is to foster economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Factsheet

The project underscores the urgent need for climate change adaptation in vulnerable communities, particularly around forest watersheds. This initiative directly corresponds with the objectives set in Albania’s National Strategy for Development and Integration (2016-2020), which identifies major environmental challenges like water resource contamination, soil erosion due to unsustainable forestry, and critical waste management issues​.

Factsheet